How to Paint Over a Diecast Car

Do you have a die cast car that you'd like to paint? Keep reading to find out how.

Steps

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    Take the car apart and remove all the parts until all you have left is the metal shell.
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    Put all of the trim, interior etc in a sealed sandwich bag for safekeeping during this operation.
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    You could just spray over the existing paint but you'll have much better results if you strip the existing paint. This is because factory paint is thick and uneven. Spraying over may result in loss of details or uneven gaps or thicknesses. It's easier than it sounds. Put some brake fluid in a bucket and then put the car body in it. It make take a day or two but the brake fluid will remove the paint. (You may need to hit some areas with an old toothbrush or other brush just don't use anything that will scratch the metal.)[1]
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    Once all of the paint is removed, wash and dry the body to get the brake fluid off of it. (You may want to use the brush again for the out of the way places.)[2]
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    Try not to handle the body before painting and between coats of paint because the oils on your skin can affect the paint. (Use a coat hanger bent to hold the body so you don't have to touch it.)
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    You can use any kind of spray paint to repaint the car but you should prime it with a primer. Most are a light gray. Just about any kind of spray paint will work, but make sure that your primer and final color are compatible! (For example you want to use enamels for both the primer and final coat etc.)[3]
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    When you paint keep the can about 12 inches or 30 cm away.[4]
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    Start by spraying ahead of the body. Then move in a gentle sweeping motion sideways. Note: Move in 1 sideway direction.[5]
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    Don't concentrate the paint as this will lead to runs, and will result in too thick paint and spoil the details on the body. That's why you hold the spray paint 30 cm away.
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    Pointing a can at the body and spraying will lead to splattered paint and will not make for a good paint job. That's why you should start ahead of the body and move past it in a gentle sweeping motion sideways).
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    You will not cover the entire body in the first try.
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    Wait for a least 12 hours between coats. (Warning: Try not to handle the body between coats of paint because the oils on your skin can affect the paint). Use a coat hanger bent to hold the body so you don't have to touch it.). However, if you really mess something up you can always get more brake fluid and start over.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What did I do wrong if the paint started to crack and blister after I followed the instructions and let it dry for two days?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You might need to wipe your car down with mineral spirits. Maybe you had leftover stripper or brake cleaner on it that caused a chemical reaction with the paint.
  • Question
    How can I prevent the black paint turning gray and matte instead of glossy black when I am using glossy paint?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That's caused by moisture in the air, or painting in an area that's too cold.
  • Question
    Can I paint directly without primer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the paint might not stick very well. The primer is basically the preparation for the paint.
  • Question
    Why does the paint blister when I apply a second coat of paint to my model?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Blistering could happen when the model you're painting is wet or unclean. To prevent this, paint it in the shade and don't paint it when it's 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
  • Question
    Can I paint one color and then come back 5 minutes later and use another color on the same part(s)?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, you have to let the paint dry or it will cause an overlap of the paint and mix the color. Always use the same brand of paint if changing colors. Never use one brand onto a different brand. Due to the makeup of the paint, it usually takes 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the brand of paint.
  • Question
    Can I put enamel paint over acrylic primer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. Enamel is like a hard temporary plastic, so you don't want to put it layered on acrylic because acrylic is a crystalline based plastic and might peel off or flake. Unless you want the car to have an enamel like coat, use clear primer instead or clear coat.
  • Question
    How do I remove lacquer paint from a diecast car? Will brake fluid remove lacquer paint?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use acetone but not pure acetone. It is dangerous to use pure acetone, so always wear a respirator when using it. No, brake fluid is not a good choice.
  • Question
    I'm planning on rattle can spraying a die cast model with a clear coat, now that I'm finished with a dark green base coat. How long should I wait?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Wait about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the brand. Read the drying instructions on the brand packaging.

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1XYERCaSRE
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1XYERCaSRE
  3. ↑ https://geekandsundry.com/5-things-beginner-miniature-painters-need-to-know/
  4. ↑ http://www.finescale.com/how-to/articles/2014/02/build-great-scale-models-part-4
  5. ↑ http://www.modelcartips.com/painting.html

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 95,520 times.
149 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: December 28, 2021
Views: 95,520
Categories: Craft Painting